joining me now is congresswoman karen bass, democrat from california. congresswoman, it's great to have you here, and as we're hearing about what's taking place in washington or what was taking place before everybody closed up shop to go home for the holidays, we're hearing that more republicans are calling for compromise on the tax issue. however, nearly 200 house republicans appeared to set back speaker boehner's plan b. at this point is there hope that even a small deal will get done before the new year? >> well, i certainly hope there is, but, you know, we left -- when you said some republicans are calling for it, you are talking about republicans in the senate. not in the house, unfortunately. i do think that if the senate acts just like they have to act last year over the payroll tax hike, that maybe there will be some movement in the house. it's a shame to say, though, that the house just sent the ball over to the senate. >> let me just tell you, i hope they're talking today. at this point in time, yes, i do think that's what it means. i think th